The Enemy Lives Next Door (bxb)

Part Twelve

Part Twelve

•••

"Dalley, can you kiss?"

I stare at Liam, his amber eyes filled with their usual mischief. We're sitting across from each other in the local diner, known for its famous coffee and delicious food.

Liam insisted we discuss a few things tonight, even though I protested—I need my beauty sleep, not his shenanigans. But here I am, dragged along by his relentless persuasion.

I purse my lips into a thin line as he leans forward on his elbows. "And if you can't, we need a plan. Fast."

"Of course, I can!" I defend myself, rolling my eyes. "I've kissed several boys before, so don't even think about judging me. I know everything, so don't test me."

He gives me a small, knowing smile, dismissing what I said with a wave of his hand. It's like he can see right through me. "I don't believe you, and neither does my gut."

Glaring at him, I threaten, "I don't care what your gut thinks because it's going to be removed pretty soon."

Liam chuckles, holding his hand in front of his mouth in an exaggerated manner. He's infuriating.

"Oh my God, you can't kiss? Wow, so much for someone with such a big mouth," he teases, a grin spreading across his face. "See, Dalley, you don't get a say anymore," he adds, his umber eyes brightening as he scans the coffee shop. He points to a good-looking guy behind the counter. "What about the waiter? He looks decent. I'm sure he won't say no."

I want to deny that I can't kiss, but he's caught me like an animal in a snare. If I defend myself long enough, maybe he'll drop it.

"What are you doing? I can kiss, so drop it already," I snap, annoyance creeping into my voice. "Why am I even in this diner with you?"

Liam, as always, doesn't seem to get me. No wonder we clash so much—and no wonder I sometimes want to strangle him.

He raises an eyebrow. "Your brother bailed on me, remember? I'm still going to dunk his head in a toilet bowl," he threatens, shaking his head before his eyes meet mine. "And we're finding someone for you to kiss, just for practice anyway."

He grins, and my heart does a weird flip for no reason.

"Well, you have my personal life on a platter, so who knows—" Then something hits me like a bucket of ice water, "—you sneaky bastard! You knew Lilly likes a pinkity drinkity because it's written in my diary!"

At first, his eyes widen in shock, but it quickly disappears. "Hey now, I may or may not have read a few things in there. Including your personal sex dreams about Channing Tatum."

I cover my face with my hands. "We're not going there, Blackwell. This is where I cut all communication with you," I say through my hands, removing them from my face. "That's invasion of privacy, by the way."

He barks out a laugh, and I quickly add, "And no, I'm not kissing anyone. I'm not losing my lip virginity... uh, I mean, I'm not kissing just anyone. Decision made. You can't change my mind."

Heat rushes to my cheeks as my heart pounds. Still, I have no idea why.

I'm not telling him that, of course. That'd just be weird and uncomfortable. He'd remind me of it every day of my miserable life.